Art journaling is an amazing way to express your feelings, explore new techniques, and let your imagination run wild. But if there is one thing that can quickly ruin the fun, it’s using the wrong notebook.
When you’re mixing watercolors, markers, acrylics, and ink, a regular flimsy notebook just won’t cut it. You need a sturdy sketchbook that can handle mixed media art without bleeding, warping, or tearing.
To help you out, I have put together a list of some of the best paper notebooks for art journaling. Let’s dive in and find your next favorite journal.
Shopping Guide: How to Choose the Perfect Art Journal
Before we get to the list, let’s address what makes a notebook perfect for mixed media. Keep these important factors in mind when you’re shopping for a notebook:
Paper Weight (GSM or lb)
This is the most important factor. GSM stands for Grams per Square Meter. For mixed media (like using watercolors or heavy markers), you want paper that is at least 160 GSM (or 90 lb). If you use a lot of water, look for 200 GSM to 300 GSM (140 lb).
Paper Texture (Tooth)
Do you prefer smooth paper for fine ink pens, or slightly bumpy paper (called tooth or cold-pressed) for watercolors and colored pencils? Smooth paper is great for markers, while textured paper holds wet media much better.
Binding Style
Think about how you like to work. Do you want a notebook that lays completely flat (thread-bound) so you can paint across two pages? Or do you prefer a spiral binding so you can fold the book in half?
Size
A pocket-sized journal (A6) is great for travel, while a larger size (A4 or A5) gives you more room to experiment. A5 (around 5.8 x 8.3 inches) is the most popular sweet spot for art journaling!
Notebooks at a Glance
Choosing the right journal can feel overwhelming when there are so many options out there. To make your decision easier, I’ve put together this quick glance comparison table.
| Notebook Brand & Name | Paper Weight | Texture / Finish | Binding Style | Sizes | Best For / Standout Feature |
| 1. Strathmore Visual Journal | 190 GSM (90 lb) | Vellum (Medium Tooth) | Wire-bound | 5.5″x8″, 9″x12″ | Cotton paper; easy page flipping |
| 2. Canson XL Mix Media Pad | 160 GSM (98 lb) | Lightly Textured | Spiral (Micro-perforated) | 7″x10″, 9″x12″, 11″x14″ | Budget-friendly; easy to tear out pages |
| 3. Arteza Mixed Media | 180 GSM (110 lb) | Lightly Textured | Spiral | 5.5″x8.5″, 9″x12″ | Heavy layers of paint and glue; great value |
| 4. Moleskine Watercolor | 200 GSM (135 lb) | Cold-pressed | Thread-bound (Lay-flat) | Pocket (3.5″x5.5″), Large (5″x8.25″), A4 | Classic elegance; absorbs water beautifully |
| 5. Stillman & Birn (Beta/Zeta) | 270 GSM | Cold-pressed or Smooth | Thread-bound / Spiral | Variety of sizes (from 3.5″x5.5″ to 9″x12″) | Great all-rounder; a variety of options |
| 6. Hahnemühle Watercolor | 200 GSM | Uniform Texture | Thread-bound (Lay-flat) | A6, A5, A4, landscape, square | Double-page spreads; great for watercolors |
| 7. Illo Sketchbook | 180 GSM | Smooth | Thread-bound | 8″x8″, 4.5″x4.5″, 10″x10″ | Markers and pencils; a variety of square shapes |
| 8. Pentalic Aqua Journal | 300 GSM (140 lb) | Cold-pressed | Thread-bound | 3.5″x5″, 5″x7″, 5.5″x8″ | Thickest paper on the list; holds any wet media |
| 9. Leuchtturm1917 Sketchbook | 150 GSM | Very Smooth | Thread-bound | Medium (A5), Master (A4+), Square | Gouache and ink; highly praised for sketching |
| 10. U.S. Art Supply Premium | 160 GSM (98 lb) | Light Texture | Spiral | 5.5″x8.5″, 9″x12″ | Archival quality; great for dry and light wet media |
The 10 Best Notebooks for Mixed Media Art Journaling
Here are my top picks for the best art journals that can handle your creativity, in no particular order.
1. Strathmore Visual Journal Mixed Media
Strathmore is a trusted name in the art world for a reason. Their Visual Journal series features heavy 190 GSM paper that is specifically sized for wet media. The wire-bound spine means you can easily flip pages, and the paper has a lovely vellum finish that works great with both wet and dry tools.
2. Canson XL Series Mix Media Pad
If you are looking for the best budget-friendly option, the Canson XL series is a fan favorite. It comes with 160 GSM paper that handles light washes of watercolor, acrylics, and markers beautifully. The micro-perforated pages are also a huge plus if you ever want to tear out a page to frame it.
3. Arteza Mixed Media Sketchbook
Arteza offers fantastic quality for the price. Their mixed media sketchbooks usually come in a multipack and feature heavy 180 GSM paper. The paper is thick, lightly textured, and handles multiple layers of paint and glue perfectly. The sturdy spiral binding makes it very easy to work with.
4. Moleskine Art Collection Watercolor Notebook
For those who love a classic, elegant look, the Moleskine Watercolor Notebook is a dream. It features a thread-bound, lay-flat design with thick 200 GSM cold-pressed paper. It absorbs water beautifully and has that premium feel, complete with a handy elastic closure and an inner pocket for loose papers.
5. Stillman & Birn Mixed Media Sketchbooks (Beta or Zeta Series)
Stillman & Birn sketchbooks are top-tier for serious art journalers. If you love wet media, look for their “Beta” series (extra heavy 270 GSM, cold-pressed) or their “Zeta” series (270 GSM, smooth finish). These books can take heavy watercolor washes and thick acrylics with almost zero warping
6. Hahnemühle Watercolor Book
This German brand is legendary for its paper quality. The Hahnemühle Watercolor Book features 200 GSM paper that is incredibly resilient. The notebook lays flat, and the paper texture is uniform on both sides of the page, making it a joy to create double-page spreads.
7. illo Sketchbook
If you love drawing with markers and light mixed media, the illo Sketchbook is a trendy and stylish choice. It features a unique square shape (8×8 inches) and smooth 180 GSM paper. It is particularly loved by illustrators because it handles alcohol markers exceptionally well without shredding.
8. Pentalic Aqua Journal
Perfect for the traveling artist! The Pentalic Aqua Journal is bound in a sturdy, landscape book format. It contains 300 GSM watercolor paper, making it the thickest paper on this list. It also includes an elastic band, a ribbon marker, and a brush holder on the top!
9. Leuchtturm1917 Sketchbook
Leuchtturm1917 is famous for bullet journaling, but their dedicated sketchbooks are fantastic for art journaling, too. They feature 150 GSM paper that is incredibly smooth and white. While it might not handle a heavy soaking of watercolor, it is absolute perfection for alcohol markers, colored pencils, black ink, and collaging.
10. U.S. Art Supply Premium Mixed Media Sketchbook
Another excellent value option. This mixed media sketchbook provides thick 160 GSM paper that is acid-free and neutral pH, meaning your colors will stay vibrant for years. It is versatile, holding up well to sketching, pastel, charcoal, and light wet media.
Tips to Prep Your New Art Journal
Here are a few pro-tips to help you get the most out of your new paper.
Prime with gesso: If you bought a notebook with slightly thinner paper (like 150–160 GSM) but want to use acrylics, apply a thin layer of clear or white gesso first. It acts like a primer, strengthening the page and preventing paint from soaking through.
The tape trick: Use low-tack painter’s tape, artist tape, or washi tape around the edges of your page. Not only does this create a beautiful, clean white border when you’re done, but it also helps hold the paper flat while you work with wet paints.
Test in the back: Most art journalers use the very last page as a swatch page. Use it to test how your markers, watercolors, or inks react to that specific paper before you start using it.
Weigh down the crinkle: If you use a lot of water, your paper might buckle a little. There is a fix for this. Once your art is dry, close the book and put a heavy stack of books on top overnight. It will flatten right out.
Ready to Start Creating?
Finding the right paper notebook for art journaling can completely change the way you create. Whether you want to splash around with heavy watercolors or layer up paper scraps and ink, one of these 10 options is sure to be the perfect home for your art.
Need help finding ideas for art journal entries? On this page, you’ll find plenty of creative ideas to fuel your artistic expression.
Grab your favorite supplies, put on some good music, and let your creativity flow!
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